Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Bonnie Prince Billy & The Cairo Gang played three sold out shows (200 capacity each) between April 1st and 2nd at the Monster Island Basement in Brooklyn. Thursday night offered 2 performances: an early 8pm show followed by a second one at 10:30. Friday there was a single show at 8pm. I was lucky enough to attend the early show on Thursday and it really was as eccentric and singular as Mr. Oldham himself.

I saw Mr. Oldham when he was touring for the release of Master and Everyone years back, and most recently at the Apollo supporting his last LP, Beware. For both of those shows Mr. Oldham was supported with a band (and each performance was excellent). But last week it really was something special to be in such a small room, and to have the unique experience of being able to just share the music with the man himself.

Writer

Chris Mateer is a music writer living in Portland, OR. He is the founder of the Uprooted Music Revue, and is a featured blogger on No Depression. In addition to music writing, Chris teaches visual art and plays the mandolin and drums.